# How much should one tip a doorman in NYC?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 24, 2003, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000 "2003-06-24T12:34:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![172pilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/3da27b/32.png) [@172pilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/172pilot)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000/1 "2003-06-24T12:34:45Z")

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Hi folks,

I am visiting NYC for the first time soon and I was wondering, as one who believes in tipping well for good service: How much should I tip doormen, and for that matter taxi drivers as well?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

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**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000/2 "2003-06-24T12:37:56Z")

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20% 😃

Actually, I’d feel cheap ever tipping less than a buck - but I usually give cab drivers closer to 50% for short rides.

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**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000/3 "2003-06-24T15:00:43Z")

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If a doorman simply opens the door, no tip.

If a doorman opens my taxi door, takes one or two suitcases out of the trunk and into the building, $3-$4, maybe $5 if I’m feeling generous.

If a doorman helps me unload my car (for instance, takes several suitcases and other bags out, loads them onto a cart, pushes cart into building, etc.), minimum $5. If he really seems to be going the extra mile, or I have a gazillion bags, or stuff is heavy, $7-$10 depending on how many singles I have.

For taxis, a $5-$7 dollar ride I’ll usually give $2. If the ride is between $7-$8 I’ll give him a $10 and “keep the change” unless he really sucked (driving in such a way that I can’t relax, taking a really lousy route, forgetting to turn on the meter). In that case I’ll give him 15% at the most. If the ride is between $8-$10 I’ll usually give him a $2.50-$3 tip. $10-$15 I’ll usually give a $3 and change tip. If the driver claims to have little or no change, he’ll get less tip rather than more tip.

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**Author:** ![yoyo3500](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/5daacb/32.png) [@yoyo3500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyo3500)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000/4 "2003-06-24T16:27:05Z")

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No more than 15 degrees, otherwise they get mad.

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**Author:** ![Bongmaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Bongmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bongmaster)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-tip-a-doorman-in-nyc/184000/5 "2003-06-24T16:37:07Z")

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I can’t see tipping the doorman more than a dollar unless he is carrying a whole lot of my stuff. Just opening the door gets no tip, thats just silly, I’d rather do it myself.